In Memory of Deputy Sheriff Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal
On Friday, September 27, 2019, the residents of Harris County, Texas, learned the tragic news that a local deputy had died in the line of duty. Deputy Sheriff Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, badge 1498, was shot and killed during a traffic stop. Deputy Dhaliwal was 42 years old.
Traffic stops are considered a hazardous part of the work that is done by law enforcement. Deputy Dhaliwal was on duty Friday afternoon, and approximately 12:45 pm was in the process of conducting a traffic stop. The stop occurred near the 14800 block of Willancy Court.
Dhaliwal had gotten information from the car driver and was returning to his patrol car to check the driver’s information. As he was walking away, a passenger in the vehicle suddenly exited. The passenger opened fire, hitting Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal several times.
Surrounding witnesses immediately administered Life-saving measures. However, his wounds were so severe that he was flown to a local hospital for emergency treatment. After arriving at the hospital, Dhaliwal succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect that had shot at Deputy Dhaliwal had been wanted since 2017 for not following his parole restrictions. He fled to a nearby business and was shortly arrested by another deputy.
Dhaliwal served his community as a sworn law enforcement officer for approximately ten years. A year after his passing, the Addicks Howell Road Post Office was renamed to honor the fallen deputy. It is now the Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office.
Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Texas
Dhaliwal was a member of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. It is the primary law enforcement agency for more than four million residents in Harris County, Texas. The headquarters for the HCSO is located on the first and second floor of the Baker Street Jail in Houston, Texas.
Harris County has the highest population of any county in Texas and has the third-highest in the US. Due to the significant population in the area, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office has more than 3,500 employees. The HCSO is the largest sheriff’s office in Texas and sixth in the nation. The jurisdiction of the HCSO covers the 1,118 square miles of the unincorporated areas of Harris County. They are the equivalent of a county police force.
The HCSO is responsible for the management of the Harris County Jail. Officers also provide courtroom security, civil service, patrols, and investigations. Sheriffs and deputies in the state of Texas are not restricted to their district. These officers have warrantless arrest powers statewide.
Remembrances
Deputy Sheriff Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal leaves behind his wife and three children. Many Texans will come forward, offering support for the Dhaliwal family. Full honors were provided at the service for him and his family. Harris County residents diligently demonstrate their gratitude to the family, including renaming an area post office.
Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher shared condolences for the family. “I am honored to play a role in commemorating Deputy Dhaliwal’s remarkable life of selfless service. He represented the very best of our community: he worked for equality, connection, and community through his life of service to others. I was glad to work with a bipartisan delegation, our community partners, and those in the Sikh community to pass legislation to rename this building the Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office.”
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzales commented on the honor bestowed to Dhaliwal. “This will serve as a permanent reminder of Deputy Dhaliwal’s service, sacrifice, and example to us all. We are thankful to Congresswoman Fletcher and the entire Texas delegation for honoring a committed public servant who touched countless lives and served as a trailblazer. He was a true hero who inspired everyone to love their neighbors.”
